Tag Archive for: Xavier Ruiz

RC Law Acted as International Counsel to Hispanogroup on the Acquisition of ENI Ecuador.

RC Law acted as international counsel to Hispanogroup, an Ecuadorian oil & gas conglomerate, and its subsidiary Vepamil Lubricantes, in connection with the acquisition of ENI Ecuador S.A., the local subsidiary of Italian state-owned company, Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI).  The transaction which required Ecuadorian antitrust approval was led by partner Xavier Ruiz with the assistance of counsel Ignacio Furfaro.  Rafael Balda of Ecuadorian law firm Apolo acted as lead Ecuadorian counsel.  Atlantico Capital Partners acted as financial advisors to the client.

Press Release Atlantico Capital

Atlantico Capital Partners, LLC has advised Ecuadorian industrial conglomerate, Hispanogroup S.A. and its subsidiary Vepamil S.A. in its acquisition of the Eni Ecuador Group

Headquartered in Guayaquil, Hispanogroup is an industrial conglomerate with interests in fuel and lubricants distribution, used fuel recollection and recycling, and maritime shipping. Through Vepamil, Hispanogroup is one of the largest private players in Ecuador in the sale, distribution, and commercialization of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, gas, and other petroleum derivatives to industrial clients and fisheries.

Eni Ecuador, headquartered in Quito, is a vertically integrated group of companies engaged in the distribution of Liquified Petroleum Gas ( “LPG”) in Ecuador, and the second largest player within the industry. Among its activities, Eni Ecuador bottles and distributes LPG to residential and industrial markets, in addition to producing cylinders, valves, and regulators. Eni Ecuador is wholly owned by Eni international BV, and comprised by 3 subsidiaries: Esain S.A., Tecnoesa S.A. and Esacontrol S.A., owned by the listed Italian conglomerate Eni SpA (“Eni”). Eni operates as an integrated energy company worldwide, engaging in exploration, development, extracting, manufacturing, and marketing crude oil and natural gas, oil-based fuels, chemical products, and gas-fired power, as well as energy products from renewable sources.

The acquisition of Eni Ecuador is a horizontal integration for Hispanogroup and a perfect strategic fit that allows it to efficiently expand its fuel distribution business and gain operating scale by entering the residential market while capturing a meaningful market share. The acquired business generates peer-leading operating margins that benefit from midstream infrastructure ownership in bottling plants, a distribution fleet, and access to over 1,000 distributors.

Atlantico acted as financial advisor to Hispanogroup.

Source: https://atlanticocap.com/atlantico-capital-advised-hispanogroup/

RC Law Advised Grupo Hotusa on Winter Haven Hotel Acquisition in Miami Beach

RC Law served as legal counsel to Grupo Hotusa, through its Eurostars Hotel Company brand, in the acquisition of the 70-key Winter Haven Hotel, a boutique property prominently located on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. Previously managed by Hersha Hospitality Management and part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, this four-star hotel adds to Eurostars’ growing U.S. portfolio. The seller was represented by Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC (RCCB Law). RC Law’s legal team was led by Associate Mariana Marangoni, with support from Partner Xavier Ruiz.

Press Release from El Economista

Eurostars amplía su cartera en EEUU con un cuatro estrellas en Miami

Eurostars Hotel Company, cadena hotelera del grupo Hotusa, consolida sus planes de expansión internacional con la incorporación de un hotel en EEUU, el Eurostars Winter Haven.

El establecimiento de cuatro estrellas, ubicado en la emblemática Ocean Drive de Miami (Florida), cuenta con 70 habitaciones. Además, aloja el restaurante Il Bolognese, especializado en cocina italiana.

El edificio fue diseñado en 1939 por el arquitecto Albert Anis y es una de las joyas del art decó en la capital estadounidense.

Con este activo ya son cuatro los hoteles de Eurostars en EEUU, dos de ellos en Miami. Actualmente, Hotusa cuenta con más de 260 hoteles en 19 países.

“Estamos muy satisfechos con el impulso que ha tomado nuestra política de expansión y el crecimiento de nuestra cartera internacional de establecimientos en destinos turísticos de primer orden. Aunque España y Europa, siguen siendo nuestros principales mercados, esta nueva incorporación es el resultado de la voluntad de fortalecer nuestro negocio en Estados Unidos y América Latina, además de otras áreas estratégicas como Oriente Medio y África”, ha declarado Amancio López, presidente de Hotusa.

Source:

https://www.eleconomista.es/transportes-turismo/noticias/13004932/09/24/eurostars-amplia-su-cartera-en-eeuu-con-un-cuatro-estrellas-en-miami.html

RC Law Advised Insud Pharma on its Acquisition of Agile Therapeutics

 

RC Law LLP is proud to have advised Insud Pharma S.L., a global pharmaceutical group based in Spain, on its acquisition of Agile Therapeutics, Inc (OTCOB, AGRX) through the merger of the target company with one of the client’s US subsidiaries, as reported by Nasdaq on August 26, 2024. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as co-counsel for Insud Pharma and the target and its shareholders were advised by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

Source: https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/agile-therapeutics-inc-announces-completion-acquisition-insud-pharma-sl-2024-08-26https://lnkd.in/eQCbEBx2

 

 

RC Law Advised Mediktor on the Acquisition of Sensely

RC Law advised Teckel Medical S.L. (known as Mediktor) on the acquisition of Sensely, a California-based digital healthcare provider. Mediktor is a leading digital healthcare provider and as a result of the merger, one of the largest global AI-based solution providers in the healthcare ecosystem has been created.  RC Law acted as co-counsel, jointly with Baker & Mckenzie Spain.  Sensely was represented by Perkins Coie, California. RC Law’s team was led by Partner Xavier Ruiz and supported by Associates Diego Price, Florencia Fernandez and Carla Marco. Partner Marta Garcia advised on employment matters.  Mediktor is a long-standing client of the firm.

Press Release from Mediktor

Mediktor Acquires Sensely and Consolidates Its Position as a Leader in AI Healthcare Solutions

BARCELONA, ESP. and SAN FRANCISCO, CA. June 4th 2024 — Mediktor, the leading digital healthcare company, has announced the acquisition of Sensely, a San Francisco-based, digital healthcare provider that pioneered an empathy-driven conversation platform to support hospital systems and insurance services with world-class member engagement. This consolidation of two world-leading artificial intelligence-driven solutions providers marks a major medical technology milestone, extending Mediktor’s global presence to more than 35 countries and expanding its footprint in the United States.

The merger creates one of the largest global AI-based solutions providers in the healthcare ecosystem. The new organization will be driven by an enriched conversational healthcare platform to help increase efficiencies and reduce costs using its complementary technologies, including the company’s AI medical assistant. According to a recent survey of insurance customers, 54% of patients who used it were satisfied with the medical guidance it provided and did not need additional services or follow-up from a physician. 

“This acquisition is a transformational step for Mediktor and reinforces our commitment to digital health innovation. By joining forces with Sensely, we are poised to offer a leading top-notch AI solution to multiple businesses, ultimately improving millions of people’s access to healthcare,” states Cristian Pascual, Chief Executive Officer of Mediktor.

As a result of the integration, Mediktor will acquire educational healthcare content from Mayo Clinic, which was developed as part of a pre-existing agreement with Sensely. Mayo Clinic will also become a shareholder of the newly integrated company and hold a seat on the Board of Directors as an observer. 

MTIP, a leading Swiss-based growth equity firm and long-standing partner of Mediktor, has reaffirmed its confidence in the company’s vision and direction. As a member of the Mediktor Board of Directors,  MTIP has communicated its unwavering financial and strategic support of the company’s acquisition of Sensely and its overall growth strategy. 

At the same time, Aliath Bioventures, a venture capital firm that has been supporting Mediktor since 2018, also played a significant role in facilitating this acquisition. Aliath remains deeply committed to supporting Mediktor’s strategic growth, strengthening its market leadership, and long-term success.

“Mediktor and Sensely represent the perfect synergy between AI-based symptom assessment and empathy-driven virtual assistance that puts patients at the center,” said Adam Odessky, Sensely’s Co-Founder and CEO. “The combination of these two organizations provides customers with a strong, comprehensive suite of technology services that are proven to increase efficiency and reduce overhead costs for institutions while offering unparalleled personalized engagement services to patients and insurance members. We’re excited to share Mediktor’s vision for becoming a leading player in an evolving and competitive digital healthcare environment.”   

Mediktor plans to integrate Sensely’s current staff and management team into the new organization, where Mr. Odessky will take on the role of Chief Product Officer, bringing his vast experience and leadership to the team. 

About Mediktor

Mediktor is the most advanced AI-based medical chatbot for triage and pre-diagnosis that guides patients to the right level of care at the right time – improving access while enabling more efficient care navigation. Powered by a sophisticated AI engine that enables users to converse naturally in several languages, Mediktor’s white-labeled SaaS is omnichannel and can be easily embedded into any interface (web, mobile, desktop). Mediktor’s customers include health plans, hospitals and health systems, telehealth, and pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.mediktor.com

About Sensely

Sensely is a leading innovator of avatar and chatbot-based platforms that are designed to assist insurance plan members and patients with the insurance services and healthcare resources whenever they need them. With offices in San Francisco and London, Sensely’s global teams provide virtual assistant solutions to an array of diversified healthcare sectors, including insurance companies, hospital systems, and pharmaceutical clients worldwide. For more information, visit www.sensely.com.

About MTIP

MTIP is a Swiss-based growth equity firm investing in European healthtech companies that aim to revolutionize global healthcare. The team leverages deep sector expertise to help scale up successful and sustainable healthtech businesses For more information, visit www.mtip.ch.

About Aliath Bioventures

Aliath Bioventures, formerly known as Alta Life Sciences, is a life sciences venture capital firm part of the AltamarCAM group. Aliath aims to provide solutions to the most pressing healthcare challenges by targeting therapeutics and healthtech companies built on innovative and disruptive trends. For more information visit https://www.aliathbio.com/.

Source: https://www.mediktor.com/en-us/news/press/mediktor-acquires-sensely-and-consolidates-its-position-as-a-leader-in-ai-healthcare-solutions

 

RC Law Counseled Falabella in the Acquisition of Equity Interests in Simetrik

RC Law acted as counsel for Falabella Ventures in connection with the acquisition of an equity interest in Simetrik’s $55 million funding round led by Goldman Sachs.  Falabella Ventures is the venture capital arm of Falabella, a major multinational company known for its retail, real estate, financial services, and home improvement sectors.  Senior Associate Ignacio C. Furfaro led the transaction and was supported by an RC Law team based in its Miami office.

Press Release: Reuters

LatAm’s Simetrik raises $55 million in Goldman Sachs-led funding round

Feb 21 (Reuters) – Colombian-founded Simetrik, a startup offering business-to-business services to streamline complex financial tasks, raised $55 million in a funding round led by Goldman Sachs (GS.N), which two executives said will be mainly used to boost activity beyond the region.

Simetrik’s financial and accounting services are aimed at companies that make more than $150 million in sales every year and currently handles close to $150 billion in transactions annually, the startup’s Chief Executive Alejandro Casas and Chief Operating Officer Santiago Gomez told Reuters in a video interview.

The company operates in over 35 countries, but 80% of its workforce is located in Latin America.

Simetrik has smaller-scale operations in Asia and Africa due to the global reach of such clients as U.S.-listed dLocal (DLO.O), and it is now seeking to expand further.

“One of the reasons Goldman Sachs invested in us is due to our global reach. We already have clients with operations in Asia, Africa and Europe, and we are implementing an aggressive expansion as we have already proven our model works everywhere,” Simetrik’s Casas said.

Falabella Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst and MercadoLibre fund are among the other investors in Simetrik’s Series B round. The company declined to say what total value was implied by the latest fundraising round.

Mexican bottler and retailer Femsa (FEMSAUBD.MX), Brazilian bank Itau Unibanco (ITUB4.SA), and Argentina’s MercadoLibre (MELI.O) are among the startup’s clients.

Source: LatAm’s Simetrik raises $55 million in Goldman Sachs-led funding round | Reuters

RC Law Sponsored Pinta PArC Art Fair in Lima, Peru

The event organized by the Pinta took place at Casa Prado. It is the most attractive international cultural event in the region showcasing the essence of Peru whilst intertwining its historical richness with the most current influences of contemporary art

RC Law Advised Smart Rooms in Adding USA Hotels to its Portfolio

RC Law has acted as counsel for Smart Rooms Company in the addition of three new hotels in Miami Beach, Florida, to their management portfolio in the United States.  The incorporation to these new hotels marks a significant expansion for Smart Rooms Company in the dynamic hospitality market of Miami Beach.  Senior Associate Ignacio C. Furfaro led the transaction and was supported by an RC Law team based in its Miami office.

Press Release Cinco Dias:

Smart Rooms redobla su apuesta por EE UU y abre tres hoteles en Miami

Prevé incorporar 900 habitaciones en Europa y América para duplicar el tamaño de la compañía en dos años

Smart Rooms, la operadora de alojamiento creada por Oriol Serra y el family office Sogaman hace doce años, arranca 2024 dispuesta a consolidarse como una gestora internacional de alojamientos. En una entrevista con Cinco Días, Serra confirma que la firma ya está operando tres nuevos hoteles en Miami (Aqua Hotel, Crest Hotel & Suites y Casa Hotel Boutique), con lo que cuenta con los mismos activos (cuatro) en EE UU y en España (tres en Barcelona y uno en Palma de Mallorca). “Teníamos ya un hotel de 134 habitaciones, que ha funcionado muy bien, y otros propietarios nos han cedido la gestión de otros tres hoteles, con 34, 69 y 46 habitaciones, respectivamente. Tanto en número de activos como en aportación de negocio pasa a ser tan importante EE UU como España”, asegura. Los hoteles en Barcelona y funcionan con la marca Yurbban y el resto con marcas independientes.

La incorporación de esos tres activos va a disparar la cuenta de resultados de la compañía. “La facturación ya creció un 16% en 2023 hasta los 26,5 millones y para este año hemos presupuestado 38 millones, lo que supondría otro 45% más, por la aportación de los nuevos hoteles”, asegura Serra. A ello se sumará también la contribución del resto de la cartera, compuesta por nueve edificios de apartamentos turísticos, un hostel de 106 habitaciones con la marca Spotty en Bogotá (Colombia) y cuatro residencias de estudiantes, tres de ellas en Bogotá (Colombia) y una en Lima (Perú) con la marca The Spot.

“En total contamos con 20 establecimientos y 1.400 habitaciones, sumando operativos y en pipeline, en gestión y estamos analizando entre 800 y 900 habitaciones para incorporarlas en los dos próximos años y duplicar el tamaño de la compañía en ese período de tiempo”, señala Serra, que anticipa que están estudiando hasta seis proyectos más en Miami y ya están construyendo desde mediados de 2023 una torre de 196 habitaciones en Perú que será un coliving también de la marca Spot. “No estamos centrados en ningún tamaño en concreto. Nuestros activos varían de las cuatro habitaciones en la playa de la Barceloneta a las 421 habitaciones de Bogotá”. El fundador resalta con orgullo que la compañía ya ha superado los 300 trabajadores en plantilla (310) y avanza que en las próximas semanas se hará pública la incorporación de un directivo de primer nivel del sector turístico al proyecto.

https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2024-02-05/smart-rooms-redobla-su-apuesta-por-ee-uu-y-abre-tres-hoteles-en-miami.html?event=go&event_log=go&prod=REGCRART5D&o=cerrado5d

RC Law Advised Arenales on the Acquisition of a Nursery in New York

RC Law has acted as buyer’s counsel for Arenales Red Educativa, of Spain, on the acquisition of a 50% of a nursery school based in Tribeca, New York. Arenales is an educational institution that provides its students with a high-level academic education, and at the same time, a human formation based on the fundamental principles of Christian doctrine. Associate Carla Marco led the transaction and she was supported by associate Tamires Frasson. Seller was represented by Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP, New York.

Press Release – Arenas

Arenales refuerza su participación en América

Arenales continúa trabajando para mejorar la sociedad a través de la educación, allá donde está presente. Este año la red llega a Nueva York (EEUU) y a Santiago de los Caballeros (Rep. Dominicana) con dos nuevas incorporaciones en la Red. 

«Mejorar la sociedad a través de la educación» con este objetivo desde la red se quiere seguir promoviendo proyectos educativos en el continente americano. Este camino de expansión de Arenales en América comienza con la entrada como socio en la Escuela Infantil Play Garden New YorkC Tribeca. Una alianza que permite afianzar la presencia de la Red en EEUU, concretamente en Nueva York, y abrirse a nuevos proyectos educativos.   

La expansión de la Red continúa en el norte de República Dominicana,  concretamente en la ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros. Allí se encuentra el colegio Arenales Duarte un centro educativo que también se incorporará a la Red, convirtiéndose en el primer centro educativo de Centroamérica. 

La entrada de Arenales en ambos centros educativos aportará conocimiento y  experiencia en la gestión de centros educativos y de capital humano. Del mismo modo, este crecimiento ayuda internamente a enriquecer al resto de centros de la red y a afianzar nuevas alianzas educativas entre entidades educativas de diferentes países y continentes. Colaborando y compartiendo experiencias y recursos que ayuden en la formación de los alumnos y sus familias. 

El viaje a América ha permitido encontrarse con colegios con los que Arenales tiene una estrecha colaboración como Shelton Academy en Miami. Un colegio que el año pasado estrenó un nuevo Campus escolar. Allí Alfonso Aguiló aprovechó la visita para impartir una sesión de formación al profesorado.

6 centros en América

Con la incorporación de los nuevos centros a la Red, en estos momentos Arenales cuenta con 6 colegios en el continente americano. Hasta el momento Arenales Red Educativa tiene acuerdos de colaboración con varios centros en el continente. Concretamente está presente en Miami (EEUU ) con Shelton Academy y en California (EEUU) con Wood Rose Academy School. En América del Sur en Encarnación (Paraguay), con el colegio Riogrande; y en Chicureo (Chile), con el colegio Pedregales.

Source: https://arenalesrededucativa.es/tag/nueva-york/

Iberian Lawyer Interviewed RC Law Founding Partner Xavier Ruiz

We are delighted to share an interview with our Founding Partner Xavier Ruiz, published by Iberian Lawyer Magazine, where he talks about his career journey, founding and growing RC Law, and his plans for the future.

We should note that the article incorrectly states that RC Law LLP was ranked as one of the largest in the United States, when we were ranked by Chambers and Partners USA as a leading firm in Corporate, M&A and Private Equity in Florida, and that Xavier Ruiz was a non-equity partner at Baker & McKenzie when he held the position of equity partner for five years until his departure in 2003.

Read the full article here.

RC Law Advised CECOP on the Acquisition of Pearlman Buying Group

RC Law represented CECOP USA, as purchaser, in the acquisition of 100% of the membership interests in Pearlman Buying Group LLC, a Delaware optical buying group with headquarters in Connecticut. CECOP is a leading global association of independent opticians and optometrists delivering operational management, training, and strategic solutions to 8,000 members and over 150 brand partners across Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the U.S. The acquisition signifies a pivotal moment for CECOP USA as it expands its footprint in the U.S. market. Partner Xavier Ruiz was the lead counsel for the buyer and he was supported by associates Carla Marco, Fernanda Legaspe and Florencia Fernandez. Counsel for the seller was Cohn Birnbaum & Shea P.C..

Press Release by Vision Monday

CECOP USA PARTNERS WITH PEARLMAN BUYING GROUP

CORAL GABLES, Fla.—CECOP USA has partnered with Pearlman Buying Group. The acquisition took place last August and earlier this month, Ignacio Macias, CECOP USA’s CEO, communicated with Pearlman Group’s 600 independent eyecare professional members to reconfirm all of the new benefits they’ll experience as a result of the partnership. Today, Macias told VMAIL, there are currently 2,300 CECOP members in the U.S. and 10,000 worldwide, noting that the global group CECOP International also expanded in the U.K. over the summer.

In his letter to Pearlman members, Macias assured them that their experience with Pearlman will continue to expand in exciting ways due to this partnership with CECOP USA. “Our commitment to providing outstanding service to independent eyecare professionals remains unwavering. You can expect an enhanced level of service and access to an even broader range of exclusive deals and services from across the United States in the coming months.

“By joining forces with Pearlman, we have significantly increased our purchasing power. This means that together, we can secure even better deals and discounts on products and services for your business. We understand the importance of cost-effective solutions for your practice and we are dedicated to helping you optimize your store operations and increase your bottom line.”

Expanded offerings, enhanced support and exclusive savings will be offered as well as networking and community, which will enable members of the CECOP USA network to connect, learn and engage with like-minded professionals.

Macias noted that founder Dr. Dean Yimoyines remains in touch with the group but does not have an operational role. Pearlman stated, “Ignacio and his team will carry on and expand my vision for Pearlman. He will enable Pearlman to deliver more value to our customers and colleagues as we all move into the future. I couldn’t have picked a better partner and steward for Pearlman.”

Macias also added, “I’d like to emphasize that we will continue the legacy and culture of Dean Yimoyines. Just as Dean was dedicated to helping independent practices, so are we. CECOP USA is 100 percent independent and privately owned, so we do not depend on any big manufacturer or adhere to any corporate bias. Our focus is exclusively on helping independent practices be successfully independent.”

Founded in 1996, CECOP has operations in Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the U.S.

Source: https://www.visionmonday.com/business/suppliers/article/cecop-usa-partners-with-pearlman-buying-group/